The planet witnessed its maiden World Food Safety Day on the 7th of June. The day, conceptualized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018 in tandem with the Food and Agriculture Organization, underpins the criticality of preserving safe food standards. This initiative seeks not only to foster awareness about food safety but also to alleviate the magnitude of casualties resulting from foodborne illnesses. This year it is celebrated under the banner ‘Food safety, everyone’s business’.
Leading the Charge: United Nations Agency Endeavors
Two notable agencies of the United Nations – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are at the forefront of propagating the concept of food safety globally. These organizations have compiled a guide that accentuates the need for food safety and the methodology to implement it.
This guide primarily consists of five essential elements:
1. Governments are mandated to assure safe and nutritious food for everyone.
2. Farmers and food producers must uphold good practices.
3. Business operators are entrusted with ensuring food safety.
4. Every consumer is entitled to secure, healthy, and nutritious food.
5. Food safety is a collective responsibility.
Safe and wholesome food serves as a cornerstone in promoting health and eradicating hunger, which aligns with two primary objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
FSSAI and Its Innovative Initiatives
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has pioneered the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) illuminating the performance of states across five distinct food safety parameters. These include Human Resources and Institutional Arrangements, Compliance, Food Testing- Infrastructure and Surveillance, Training and Capacity Building and Consumer Empowerment.
| Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Resources and Institutional Arrangements | Measures the effectiveness of staff and associated institutions |
| Compliance | Gauges adherence to food safety regulations |
| Food Testing- Infrastructure and Surveillance | Evaluates the robustness of food testing facilities and systems |
| Training and Capacity Building | Assesses the ability to train and enhance capacity in food safety |
| Consumer Empowerment | Examines measures taken to empower consumers in food safety |
Innovative Tools for Greater Food Safety
FSSAI has also introduced a handheld battery-operated apparatus named ‘Raman 1.0’ that can swiftly (in under a minute) detect economically motivated adulteration in edible oils, fats, and ghee. This technological innovation demonstrates the commitment to ensure food purity.
In an endeavor to foster food safety awareness amongst the younger generation, FSSAI put forth a unique solution – ‘Food Safety Magic Box’. A DIY food testing kit, it equips school students with the capability to test food adulterants within their classroom laboratories.
To acknowledge and incentivize the efforts of individuals and entities in the food industry, FSSAI has instituted the ‘Eat Right Awards’. These accolades aim to commend those who empower consumers to opt for safer and healthier food choices, thereby enhancing health and overall wellbeing.